Shoesmith adds sex discrimination to tribunal claims against Haringey

The former social work chief in the Baby P case is fighting a £1m sex discrimination claim against her employer, it emerged today – on top of suing for unfair dismissal and launching a judicial review against her sacking.

Sharon Shoesmith is claiming that Haringey Council sacked her because she is a woman. She will argue at an employment tribunal she was unfairly dismissed and treated “less favourably” than a man in similar circumstances.

The former head of the council was fired last year after a review of the Baby P case, ordered by children’s minister Ed Balls, found serious failings at the council which led to the toddler’s death.

Earlier this month Shoesmith applied for a judicial review of the part Balls played in her sacking, the Ofsted review of the council’s services and its sacking of her.

Meanwhile, an action plan submitted to Balls last month, following criticisms in the joint area review of Haringey children’s services carried out at the end of last year, has recommended the council introduce a plan to recruit and develop top quality staff.